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Low Carb Burger Recipe

Low Carb Burger Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 112 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 burgers 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

This low carb burger delivers all the classic flavors and juiciness you crave, but swaps out the bun for crisp lettuce wraps. Perfect for anyone following a low carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, it’s packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, fresh toppings, and a creamy burger sauce. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a satisfying main course for lunch or dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Burger Patties

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For Assembling

  • 4 large iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves (for wraps)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 1 small tomato, sliced
  • 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Pickle slices, as desired

For Burger Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sugar-free ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, slightly larger than your lettuce leaves to account for shrinkage.
  2. Cook the Patties: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. If using cheese, add a slice to each patty in the last minute; cover the pan to help it melt.
  3. Mix the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sugar-free ketchup, yellow mustard, and smoked paprika until fully combined. Set aside.
  4. Assemble the Burgers: Place a lettuce leaf on a plate. Add a cooked burger patty, a spoonful of burger sauce, tomato slices, red onion, and pickles. Top with another lettuce leaf to create a wrap, and secure with a toothpick if needed. Repeat for the remaining burgers.
  5. Serve: Serve immediately while warm, with extra sauce and veggies on the side if desired.

Notes

  • You can use ground turkey or chicken for the patties if you prefer.
  • Romaine and iceberg lettuce hold the best shape as wraps.
  • To keep the burgers keto, double-check that your ketchup and pickles are sugar-free.
  • Add avocado slices or crispy bacon for extra flavor and fat.
  • Leftover patties can be stored in the fridge and reheated for meal prep.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 burger (with sauce and vegetables)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg